Come and join Team Action for the Bupa Great North Run

The world’s greatest half marathon returns to the streets of Newcastle on Sunday 7 September. Over 55,000 people will don their running shoes for the 13.1 miles around the city and we want as many as possible to be running for us. Will you be part of Team Action?

As one of our team of runners you will cover an iconic route which takes in the Tyne Bridge, goes through Gateshead, passes the famous international athletics stadium and finishes on the picturesque South Shields coast. A display by the Red Arrows, live music, on-course refreshments and thousands of cheering supporters, including the Action team, will help keep you motivated every step of the way.

Many world class athletes have taken on the challenge including local man and winner of the very first race, Mike McLeod, as well as some of the most famous names in distance running: Paula Radcliffe and Haile Gebrselassie. The course record was set in 2011 when Kenyan Martin Mathathi stormed to victory in just 59 minutes and 27 seconds. Of course we’re not asking you to beat that record!

The Bupa Great North Run is not only part of the cultural fabric of the north east, but has touched lives across the UK and around the world – last year's event saw runners from over 40 different countries taking part.

Our very own celebrity supporter, TV presenter AJ Odudu – herself from the north will be flying the flag for Team Action at the Bupa Great North Run as she takes on her first half marathon for the charity. AJ said: “As a committed fitness fanatic, and a lover of challenges, I can’t think of a better way to support this wonderful charity and all things Northern!”

We still have places available, so if you want to get involved and take part contact running@action.org.uk or telephone 01403 210406. We are not just looking for fast runners. If you are a novice, have run it before, or if you are a comfortable 10k runner looking for a step up, you are welcome to apply for one of our remaining places and we look forward to hearing from you.

If you do sign up to run the Bupa Great North Run for Action you will be supported every step of the way, from sign-up until the day and beyond. We will provide training guides and fundraising support to ensure you meet your fitness and money-raising targets.

Our star of this year’s Bupa Great North Run will be Chris Ward who is running as Paddington Bear™. He is aiming to break the current world record of a half marathon run by a charity mascot, hopefully completing the run in under 1 hour 46 minutes. Chris will also be running with Team Paddington, a group of 10 runners who will be his support crew on the day and help to spread the word of Paddington’s favourite UK charity.

If you fancy being part of this all-important support crew for Action’s very own VIP, you will need to be able to run a half marathon in approximately 1 hour 30 – 40 minutes. If this sounds like you please do get in touch and be part of Team Paddington on the day. We would really love you to take part!